Cellular Resistance Mechanisms Research Articles

Cellular mechanism of resistance to erythropoietin

Erythropoiesis is controlled by different regulators. Interleukin 3, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and stem cell factor play regulatory functions in the early steps of erythropoiesis. Erythropoietin (Epo) is the main factor which acts positively on the last steps of the production of erythrocytes in mammals. Epo is specific for the erythroid progenitor cells and has only little effect on other cells. The target cells for Epo are the erythroid progenitors (BFUe and CFUe). Epo acts on these progenitors through surface receptors specific for Epo. Epo induces the proliferation and differentiation of erythroid progenitors leading finally to reticulocytes. During this process, certain conditions are required to permit this differentiation: progenitors must be present in sufficient numbers, the bone marrow environment must be normal, and nutrients such as folic acid, vitamin B12 and particularly iron must be available. Elemental iron is an absolute requirement for adequate haemoglobin formation. Indeed, in a normal adult, without any stimulation, the bone marrow synthesizes 4 x 10(14) molecules of haemoglobin per second, each molecule containing four atoms of iron, which roughly corresponds to 20 mg iron. On the other hand, erythropoiesis is negatively regulated by several cytokines. These are macrophage-derived cytokines, including tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). All these factors are elevated in the inflammatory state and are implicated in the pathogenesis of anaemia of chronic disease. TNF-alpha has an inhibitory effect on erythroid progenitors either directly or mediated by interferon-beta (INF-beta). IL-1 inhibits erythropoiesis in vivo in mice and in vitro in humans.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

In vitro drug resistance in acute myeloid and chronic B-lymphocytic leukaemic blasts and in normal blood and marrow populations

The sensitivities of AML and BCLL blasts to daunorubicin have been determined, using an in vitro (MTT) assay of resistance, and compared with the sensitivities of normal haemopoietic populations and cells of the multidrug-resistant, T-lymphoid line CEM VLB 100. The role of the drug-efflux pump, P-glycoprotein, was determined by adding the ‘modifier’ cyclosporin and by measuring numbers of P-glycoprotein positive cells by immunofluorescence. id 50s for 17 cases of de novo AML varied from 5 to 300 ng/ml giving a median of 105 ng/ml which was similar to the median of 11 normal marrow mononuclear cell preparations (80 ng/ml) but considerably less than the median id 50 of eight blood lymphocyte samples (3500 ng/ml). id 50s for five relapsed and two refractory AML samples ranged from 27 to 240 ng/ml, well within the de novo range: we had obtained presentation samples for two of these and, in both cases, id 50s were lower at relapse. id 50s, however, were raised in seven marrow mononuclear cell populations taken soon after remission induction ( id 50 for remission MNC and normal MNC = 200 and 80 ng/ml, respectively); this may reflect either a property of regenerating populations, or an activation of cellular resistance mechanisms following chemotherapy. id 50s for 17 cases of BCLL ranged from 7 to 200 ng/ml with a median of 48 ng/ml which was significantly lower than the id 50 of AML blasts or of blood lymphocytes. Cyclosporin induced less than two-fold reductions in id 50s of blood lymphocytes, marrow mononuclear cells and de novo AML and BCLL blasts despite giving log reversals in resistance in the CEM VLB 100 line. This reflected numbers of P-glycoprotein positive cells in our samples, which were high in CEM VLB 100 but low in fresh normal or leukaemic cell suspensions. For both de novo AML and BCLL groups, however, the change in id 50, on addition of cyclosporin, was significant. These data imply a minor role for P-glycoprotein in drug resistance of leukaemic blasts. Nevertheless, there was a positive correlation between daunorubicin id 50s in de novo AML and time to remission which confirms that in vitro chemosensitivity assays can provide a useful measure of in vivo resistance.

Theiler's virus is eliminated by a gamma-interferon-independent mechanism in the brain

The intravenous infection of Theiler's virus GD VII strain causes acute encephalomyelitis in infected mice. To determine the cellular mechanism of resistance and interferon (IFN)-γ-producing cell populations, mononuclear cells isolated from tissues of the brain were analyzed by the flow cytometry method. Antibodies specific for CD3, CD4, CD8, T cell receptor (TCR)-αβ, and Asialo GM1 were used to deplete the corresponding cell populations in Theiler's virus-infected mice. CD4 + lymphocytes and CD8 + lymphocytes infiltrated in the brains of infected mice from 5 days postinfection (p.i.). The number of CD3 +/TCR-γδ + lymphocytes increased in the brains on Day 6 p.i. The elimination of CD3 + lymphocytes or CD4 + lymphocytes augmented viral replication and suppressed the production of IFN-γ. The suppression of IFN-γ production by anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (mAb) persisted, although the suppression by anti-CD4 mAb was observed only on Day 6 p.i. The depletion of CD8 + lymphocytes as well as TCR-αβ + lymphocytes also augmented the viral replication; however, it did not alter the production of IFN-γ. Anti-Asialo GM1 antibody had no effect on viral replication and IFN-γ production. These results indicate that T lymphocytes are important for eliminating Theiler's virus from the brain, CD3 +/CD4 +/CD8 − lymphocytes and CD3 +/TCRαβ −/CD4 −/CD8 − lymphocytes would produce IFN-γ in brain. However, from the result on the experiment of the depletion of TCR-αβ + lymphocytes, the defence mechanisms by T lymphocytes against Theiler's virus would be independent of endogenous IFN-γ production.

Platinum Resistance: Experimental and Clinical Status

It has become clear that multiple mechanisms of cellular resistance to platinum compounds exist; however, the knowledge that platinum resistance can not only be explained by processes such as reduced drug accumulation, and increased detoxification, has shifted the attention of researchers to more molecular mechanisms. The introduction of new techniques, such as the PCR technique for example, has opened the possibility to monitor genes involved in antitumor responses and may provide molecular information on the emergency of resistance.

Biological basis of combined therapy

There are several reasons for studying the experimental basis of the combination of chemotherapy and radiation in lung cancer: Firstly, there is a proven small benefit for thoracic radiation on survival in limited stage SCLC treated with chemotherapy, and a possible benefit for chemotherapy in limited, inoperable NSCLC treated with radiotherapy. Secondly, the mechanisms of cellular resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy may differ and this may allow an increase in local control which itself may have an impact on survival and quality of life. The local control and toxicity will depend on the relative sensitivities of the tumor and normal tissues. There are many mechanisms whereby lung cancer and normal tissues are resistant to chemotherapy and radiation-induced damage. A decrease in cellular topoisomerase I or II has been associated with a decrease in cellular sensitivity to topoisomerase inhibitors. Mutations or deletions in the topoisomerase I or II gene are associated with resistance to topoisomerase I or II inhibitors, respectively. It seems probable that, in lung cancer, the major mechanisms of resistance to anthracyclines will not involve the MDR protein. Amplification of the dihydrofolate reductase gene is associated with methotrexate resistance in SCLC lines. The mechanism of cisplatin resistance is multifactorial although decrease of uptake is observed in the majority of cisplatin-resistant cells. Increase in cellular glutathione (GSH) and in GSH-S-transferases may be responsible for resistance to alkylating drugs. Increase in metallothianine 2a is associated with resistance to cisplatin in SCLC lines. These mechanisms may or may not also convey resistance to radiation. Analysis of in vitro chemosensitivity testing suggests that these tests have negative predictive value but are less satisfactory for positive prediction. At present, the methods are not recommended for routine use. The mechanisms of cellular resistance to irradiation are less well understood. Damage to DNA, especially double strand breaks, appears to be the lethal lesion. Enzymes involved in the repair of this lesion are not well characterized, nor is the biological basis of the differing radiation sensitivity of different tissues. There is

Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacology of Trimetrexate

Trimetrexate represents one of a number of new antimetabolites that have been studied in malignant, rheumatological and infectious disease. Methotrexate, the classical antifolate agent, is active in a broad spectrum of clinical settings, but its use is limited ny pre-existing or acquired cellular resistance. Trimetrexate is an agent that does not require uptake by the folate carrier transport system, a major mechanism of cellular resistance both in vitro and in vivo. Both dihydrofolate reductase inhibition and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assays can be used to determine drug concentrations. Clearance of trimetrexate has been reported to follow biphasic or triphasic patterns. Elimination is primarily by biotransformation with less than 5% of the drug excreted renally in an unchanged form. Both active and inactive metabolites have been found, but the precise metabolic pathways have yet to be defined. The role of trimetrexate in the treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia is limited to compassionate use, as clinical studies have shown cotrimoxazole (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) to be superior to trimetrexate. However, in a wide spectrum of malignant processes, trimetrexate appears to have a role either as a high-dose single agent, with calcium folinate (leucovorin calcium) rescue, or in combination with other antineoplastic agents. However, further trials are needed to fully establish the efficacy of trimetrexate in these settings. Increased knowledge of the pattern of resistance for individual tumours and tumour types may result in trimetrexate becoming more widely used clinically.

Mechanisms of cellular insulin resistance in human pregnancy

OBJECTIVE: The cellular mechanism(s) of insulin resistance developed during pregnancy were studied by investigating the functionality of insulin receptors and glucose transport. STUDY DESIGN: Abdominal adipose tissue was obtained from eight lean pregnant and nine control subjects, matched for insulin resistance by intravenous glucose tolerance testing. Insulin receptor binding and glucose transport were measured in freshly isolated adipocytes. Receptor kinase activity was measured on partially purified receptors. Data were analyzed by Student t test. RESULTS: High-affinity insulin receptors were reduced in cells from pregnant compared with normal controls (2.0 ± 0.4 vs 5.8 ± 1.3 × 104 sites per cell, p < 0.05). Kinase activity of insulin receptors was unaltered in pregnancy. Adipocytes from pregnant subjects displayed a threefold decrease in insulin sensitivity for glucose transport (median effective concentration 324 ± 93 vs 93 ± 14 pmol/L, p < 0.025) and a reduction in maximal insulin-stimulated glucose transport (1.58 ± 0.15 vs 2.33 ± 0.24 pmol/105 cells/10 seconds, p < 0.025). CONCLUSION:These results show that adipocytes from pregnant subjects exhibit decreased insulin receptor number and an impaired insulin sensitivity in the absence of functional alterations of receptor kinase activity. (AM J OBSTET GYNECOL 1994;170:635-41.)

Cellular resistance to oxidative stress is accompanied by resistance to cisplatin: the significance of increased catalase activity and total glutathione in hydrogen peroxide-resistant fibroblasts.

Studies designed to better understand the involvement of cellular resistance to oxidative stress in mechanisms of cellular resistance to cisplatin were undertaken using H2O2-resistant variants of the HA1 Chinese hamster fibroblast cell line. H2O2-resistant cell lines were resistant to clonogenic inactivation mediated by cisplatin with dose modifying factors at 10% survival of 1.5-3.0, relative to HA1 cells. The most cisplatin resistant of these cell lines (OC5) also demonstrated fewer DNA-DNA crosslinks induced by cisplatin, relative to HA1. Since H2O2-resistant cells contained increased catalase activity as well as total glutathione (GSH) content, the involvement of these cellular antioxidants in the resistance to cisplatin toxicity was evaluated. Treatment of HA1 and H2O2-resistant cell lines (OC5, OC14) with 9 mM aminotriazole reduced catalase activity by 60-65% but had no effect on the cytotoxicity of cisplatin. In contrast, treatment with 5 mM buthionine sulfoximine reduced total GSH by 90% and sensitized the cells to cisplatin cytotoxicity. Furthermore, extracellular reaction of GSH with cisplatin prior to treating HA1 cells reduced the toxicity of the compound, indicating that this reaction is capable of participating in the detoxification of cisplatin. These results indicate that cellular adaptation to oxidative stress renders cells resistant to DNA damage as well as to cytotoxicity associated with cisplatin treatment. Furthermore, increases in total GSH content (but not catalase activity) appear to partially account for cisplatin resistance demonstrated by H2O2-resistant cells.

Acquired multicellular-mediated resistance to alkylating agents in cancer.

EMT-6 murine mammary tumor sublines highly resistant to cyclophosphamide, cis-diamminedichloro-platinum(II), or N,N',N"-triethylenethiophosphoramide were generated in vivo by sequential treatment of tumor-bearing mice with the respective drugs. Previous studies demonstrated the drug-resistant phenotypes of the sublines were not expressed in vitro when the cells were grown as monolayer cultures. We now show that expression of drug resistance--including patterns of cross-drug resistance observed in vivo--can be fully recapitulated in vitro when the cells are grown under in vivo-like, three-dimensional conditions--namely, as multicellular tumor spheroids. Moreover, the spheroids generated from all of the drug-resistant sublines manifested a much more compact structure. Immediate drug-sensitivity testing of single cells released by trypsin treatment from compact drug-resistant spheroids revealed that such cells lost much of their drug-resistant properties. The results suggest a possible mechanism of acquired drug resistance in tumors based on the response of a cell population (i.e., multicellular or tissue resistance) as opposed to classic (uni)cellular resistance mechanisms.

Mechanisms and modulation of resistance to chemotherapy in ovarian cancer.

Chemotherapy for advanced ovarian cancer remains suboptimal. Despite the improvements in objective response rates realized with cisplatin-based combination chemotherapeutic regimens, most patients still die of refractory cancer. Drug resistance has emerged as the single most important determinant of treatment outcome. Laboratory studies have provided substantial insights into the cellular mechanisms of resistance to the commonly used chemotherapeutic agents. Decreased drug accumulation, metabolic drug inactivation, and repair or tolerance to drug-induced cellular injury all contribute to resistance at the cellular level. Identification of these mechanisms has facilitated the development of specific treatment strategies, many of which are in or nearing clinical trials. These strategies include dose intensification, inhibition of P-glycoprotein function, inhibition of cellular glutathione synthesis, and inhibition of cellular DNA repair. The initial results from clinical trials that use these strategies provide reasonable grounds for optimism. In addition, efforts to identify new drugs with activity against resistant cells continue. One such drug, taxol, has significant activity in tumors refractory to conventional therapy. These approaches offer hope that intensive laboratory and clinical efforts ultimately will translate into real improvements in the efficacy of chemotherapy for ovarian cancer.

Acquisition of platinum drug resistance and platinum cross resistance patterns in a panel of human ovarian carcinoma xenografts.

In vivo models of acquired resistance to the platinum-based agents cisplatin (CDDP), carboplatin (CBDCA), iproplatin (CHIP) and tetraplatin have been established using a panel of six parent human ovarian carcinoma lines, two (HX/110 and PXN/87) being derived from previously untreated patients. Resistance has been generated to CDDP (three lines), CBDCA (one line), CHIP (three lines) and tetraplatin (one line) either by treatment in vivo or (for one line to CDDP) through exposure in vitro and subsequent transfer to mice. With the four tumours where resistance was generated using CDDP or CBDCA, a complete cross-resistance to the remaining platinum agents studied was observed. In contrast, in one of three lines with derived resistance to the platinum (IV) agent, CHIP, (PXN/951) a retention in sensitivity was observed with CDDP and CBDCA. Only one of the six parent tumour lines (PXN/100) was markedly sensitive to tetraplatin. Where resistance was generated to tetraplatin (PXN/100T) there was some retention of activity by CDDP. For the CDDP-resistant line established in vitro, there was a close agreement between the cross-resistance profile obtained in vitro vs that obtained in vivo. This tumour panel may be useful in the elucidation of cellular and molecular resistance mechanisms to platinum drugs operative in vivo. Moreover, as they appear to mimic the clinical observations of shared cross-resistance between CDDP, CBDCA and CHIP, they may represent valuable preclinical evaluation models for the discovery of drugs capable of conferring responses in CDDP-refractory ovarian cancer.

Cellular mechanisms of insulin resistance in polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Insulin resistance is a predominant feature in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCO). The cellular mechanisms for this insulin resistance have not been defined. In this study, major steps in the insulin action cascade, receptor binding, kinase activity, and glucose transport activity were evaluated in isolated adipocytes prepared from PCO subjects (n = 8) without acanthosis nigricans and in a group of age and weight-matched controls [normal cycling (NC) n = 8]. The PCO group was hyperinsulinemic and displayed elevated insulin responses to an iv glucose load. The binding of 125I-insulin to adipocytes was similar in cells from PCO and NC subjects. In PCO, autophosphorylation of the insulin receptor-subunit in the absence of insulin was normal but a significant decrease (30% below control) in maximal insulin stimulated autophosphorylation was observed. However, receptor kinase activity measured against the exogenous substrate poly glu:tyr (4:1) was normal. Cells from PCO subjects transported glucose at the same rate, in both the absence and presence of a maximal insulin concentration, as those from NC subjects. Strikingly, there was a large rightward shift in the insulin dose-response curve for transport stimulation in PCO cells (EC50 = 87 +/- 14 pmol in NC vs. 757 +/- 138 in PCO, P less than 0.0005); 8-fold greater insulin concentrations were required to attain comparable glucose transport rates in cells from PCO against NC. In conclusion, our results suggest that insulin resistance in PCO, as assessed in the adipocyte, is accompanied by normal function of insulin receptors, but involves a novel postreceptor defect in the insulin signal transduction chain between the receptor kinase and glucose transport.

Cellular mechanisms of insulin resistance in polycystic ovarian syndrome

Cellular mechanisms of insulin resistance in polycystic ovarian syndrome

Multidrug resistance in acute leukemia: a conserved physiologic function.

Native resistance to conventional chemotherapy remains an important cause of treatment failure in the adult acute leukemias. Delineation of cellular mechanisms of drug resistance therefore represents a prerequisite to the development of more effective treatment strategies. The multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype represents one such mechanism of resistance with direct clinical relevance. This phenotype occurs normally in certain mammalian tissues, and is detectable in tumor cell lines selected for resistance to naturally occurring antineoplastics. The mdr1 gene or its glycoprotein product, P-glycoprotein, is detected with high frequency in secondary acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and poor-risk subsets of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In prospective studies in AML, MDR overexpression is an independent determinant of response to treatment and overall survival with conventional-dose induction regimens. Investigations of mdr1 regulation in normal hematopoietic elements has shown a pattern which corresponds to its regulation in acute leukemia, explaining the linkage of mdr1 to specific cellular phenotypes. Therapeutic trials are now in progress to test the ability of various MDR-reversal agents to restore chemotherapy sensitivity in high-risk acute leukemias.

Mechanisms of cellular resistance to hydrogen peroxide, hyperoxia, and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal toxicity: The significance of increased catalase activity in H 2O 2-resistant fibroblasts

An H 2O 2-resistant variant (OC14) of the HA1 Chinese hamster fibroblast cell line which demonstrates a 20-fold increase in catalase activity was utilized in the study of mechanisms responsible for cellular resistance to hydrogen peroxide, oxygen, and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal toxicity. HA1 and OC14 cells were treated with 9 m m aminotriazole which resulted in a 60 to 80% reduction in catalase activity. Pretreatment with aminotriazole resulted in significant sensitization to the toxicity of 1-h exposures to exogenously applied H 2O 2, which was proportional to the reduction in catalase activity. Treatment with aminotriazole produced significant sensitization to the toxicity of 95% O 2 after 45 h of O 2 exposure but no sensitization to the toxicity of a 1-h exposure to 50 μ m 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal. Inhibition of catalase activity by aminotriazole had no effect on the metabolism of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal by either cell line tested. These results support the conclusion that in H 2O 2-resistant cells, catalase activity is a major determinant of cellular resistance to H 2O 2 toxicity, whereas catalase activity has a limited role in cellular resistance to an acute exposure to 95% O 2 and is unrelated to cellular resistance to 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal.

Role of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in murine resistance to street rabies virus

Mice of the SJL/J and BALB/cByJ inbred strains are naturally resistant to street rabies virus (SRV) injected via the intraperitoneal route. To determine the cellular mechanism of resistance, monoclonal antibodies specific for CD4+ or CD8+ subsets of T cells were used to deplete the respective cell population in SRV-infected animals. Elimination of CD4+ T-helper cells abrogated the production of immunoglobulin G (IgG) neutralizing antibodies in response to rabies virus infection and reversed the resistant status of SJL/J and BALB/cByJ mice. In contrast, in vivo depletion of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells had no measurable effect on host resistance to SRV. These results indicate that serum neutralizing antibodies of the IgG class are a primary immunological mechanism of defense against rabies virus infection in this murine model of disease. CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, which have been shown to transfer protection in other rabies virus systems, appear to have no role in protecting mice against intraperitoneally injected SRV.

Comparative cytotoxicity of CI‐973, cisplatin, carboplatin and tetraplatin in human ovarian carcinoma cell lines

The clinical efficacy of cisplatin-based chemotherapy for ovarian cancer is frequently compromised by drug resistance or dose-limiting renal and neurologic toxicities. CI-973 (NK-121), a 2-methyl-1,4-butanediamine analogue of carboplatin, has shown little nephro- and neuro-toxicity in pre-clinical model systems and in phase-I trials. Its in vitro spectrum of activity against ovarian cancer cell lines has not been previously characterized. The in vitro activities of CI-973, cisplatin, carboplatin and tetraplatin were compared in several platinum-sensitive and -resistant human ovarian carcinoma cell lines. Cytotoxicity was assessed by inhibition of clonogenic survival in soft agar with continuous drug exposure. On a molar basis, cisplatin and tetraplatin were the most potent analogues, while carboplatin was consistently less potent. Cisplatin, carboplatin and CI-973 elicited a very similar response pattern by Spearman rank correlation, distinct from that seen with tetraplatin. The magnitude of resistance to CI-973 was comparable to cisplatin in 5 cell lines but was substantially lower in the highly cisplatin-resistant 2780-CP70 and OVCAR-10 cell lines. These results suggest that CI-973 and tetraplatin may have potential utility in some cases of cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer. In addition, our data are consistent with the existence of at least 2 platinum-resistance phenotypes--one with moderate levels of resistance to cisplatin, carboplatin and CI-973 but highly resistant to tetraplatin, the other highly resistant to cisplatin and carboplatin but only partially cross-resistant with tetraplatin and CI-973. The recognition of different resistance phenotypes may facilitate the study of cellular resistance mechanisms to cisplatin and newer platinum analogues.

Keynote address: Mechanisms of cellular resistance to cytotoxic drugs and X-irradiation

Lack of response to X-irradiation and cytotoxic chemotherapy is the major cause of treatment failure in patients with cancer. However, “resistance” to these modalities may be considered a normal cellular response. The ability to cure patients with particular tumor types may be related to hypersensitivity to these modalities caused by loss or abnormality of certain normal cellular constituents such as enzymes involved in DNA repair. It is likely that the initial chemo or radiosensitivity of a tumor will broadly reflect the intrinsic resistance of the tissue type from which the tumor arose. There are many cellular biochemical mechanisms responsible for this relative resistance to drugs and radiation. Many of these mechanisms, although present in normal tissues, may be inducible and can result in enhanced resistance to DNA damaging agents. Although certain resistance mechanisms would appear to be specific for drug resistance or for radiation resistance, there are other resistance mechanisms that potentially affect both modalities. In particular, the study of DNA repair genes in mammalian cells may give us greater insight into common mechanisms of resistance to these modalities.

Resistance of Escherichia coli to osmotically introduced complement component C9

Investigation into the action of osmotically introduced C9 in Escherichia coli (in the absence of any other complement components) revealed that C9 could inhibit inner membrane respiration and cause a decrease in the viability of cells that were normally complement sensitive. This effect is analogous to the loss of inner membrane function and viability due to the assembly of the C5b-9 complex on these cells. Complement-resistant cells showed no such inhibition of respiration or loss of viability when subjected to the osmotic introduction of C9. The reason for this failure of C9 to affect complement-resistant cells was explored to determine whether this resistance to C9 was due to an inability of proteins in general to be osmotically introduced into the complement-resistant cells. The protein toxins melittin and colicin E1 were showed to be able to kill these complement-resistant cells (as well as complement-sensitive cells) when osmotically introduced into the periplasm. Therefore, cellular resistance to osmotically introduced C9 is not due to an inability of proteins to be introduced into the cells and may be related to a mechanism of cellular resistance to the C5b-9 complex.

Cyclosporin A suppresses cisplatin-induced oncogene expression in human cancer cells

Most cancer chemotherapeutic agents are designed to damage DNA directly or indirectly. One mechanism of cellular resistance to these agents is enhanced DNA repair. Human ovarian carcinoma cells resistant to cisplatin (A2780DDP) respond to cisplatin treatment with a 3–6-fold increase in gene expression for oncogenes, DNA repair enzymes and enzymes necessary for the synthesis of thymidine. Cyclosporin A has been shown to reverse drug resistance, but its mechanism of action is unclear. In this study, weekly exposures of A278ODDP cells to cyclosporin A resulted in the evolution of a revertant cell line A2780DDP/CSA that was sensitive to cisplatin again and suppressed the induction of genes necessary for the repair of drug-induced DNA damage.